Eyesopen – actually, teh reason for so many multiples lately is in vitro fertilization. During IVF, multiple fertilized embryos are implanted. Depending on how many eggs are implanted (usually 2-3), the possibility of multiples skyrockets.
Intellegent, don’t feel bad about him helping – marriage is an equal partnership. So, if he has some time to cook/clean and you don’t, then he should do it. (as you said he does, so I’m not implying he doesnt)
Honestly, I don’t know that many feminists who would have a problem with All the feminists may attack me on this, but it is just more natural for a woman to diaper a baby and wash the dishes as it is for the man to drill in a nail and build the succa. Of course you will always find people who are opposite but that is the nature. Its more that there should be options for women to drill nails if they want to. Its about freedom of choice, even if that choice is traditional (I know many “feminists” who stay home with their kids).
Oomis – I agree 100% that the system needs an overhaul! And that the husband is parenting not babysitting! About two weeks after my son was born, I went to a shower. I left the baby home with my husband. Everyone kept asking who was babysitting and I said no one, he is with his father! Sheesh! The husband and wife should be taking equal roles in the household (split in a way thats good for them).
Torah is not an intellectual exercise. It is our guideline for how to live. Unfortunately, for many men, its an intellectual excersize.
Bored@work – I think seminaries do subtle brainwashing many times (how much is dependant on where you go). Even if they don’t brainwash you, they really push you towards Kollel without showing you how hard it is. It would be good if each student would go over to a kollel couple’s house (ones without rich parents and in laws) and learn about how hard it is to budget with a kollel stipend and a wife’s salary. How there is no money for luxuries like new clothing, manicures, cleaning help, cars, jewelry, eating out at restaurants…its great if you are willing to give that up, but at least KNOW what you are going into. I think seminary tends to idealize kollel without showing the hardships.
BYM – seminary is a wonderful experience for many people, but yes, they do use the opportunity to “brainwash” people (levels dependant on the sem you attend). Its not the end result people find offensive, but the method. Does that make sense?
About Amram/Yocheved (or rather, on a similiar vein), it always amazed me that people during the holocaust had babies. I cannot imagine being in the midst of all those horrors and bringing a child into the world. They were truly amazing people.